CELEBRATING SUCCESS

As we reach towards the end of our first term, we are celebrating so many achievements and events that have built our community this year so far. You will notice some wonderful acknowledgements throughout the newsletter regarding student success in many areas both in and out of school. We encourage you to read about all of the many ways we celebrate success for our students.  

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

You may see, on regular occasions, social media and news relating to awareness of a range of needs within our local and wider communities. Once of these currently being highlighted is Autism Awareness. The purpose is not to isolate a group of people but to recognise and understand neurodiversity, leading to stronger relationships between families, children, adults and communities in and out of school environments. 

An understanding of neurodiversity can go a long way in improving the lives of others.

Please watch this lovely clip.

MISSION

SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

YEAR 4

REJOICE THE RISEN LORD !

This week at St Peter’s, our Year 6 students became the teachers, visiting each class in small groups to tell the Story of the Resurrection from the heart. The Year 6 students worked with their teachers and Mrs Cameron to prepare materials and write a script for this storytelling experience, sharing, through peer-to-peer ministry, their own understanding of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. These students did an amazing job; their commitment to the task and reverence demonstrated in the quality of the experience.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

MONDAY 8TH APRIL

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the unique mission of our Catholic Schools: enabling our students to experience the fullness of life and to celebrate our thriving school community. Families are welcome to join us for all or part of the Catholic Education Week celebrations on Monday.

10.00am	Liturgy in the Don Farrell Hall
10.20am	Activities in classrooms with your child
10.45am	BYO picnic lunch and play (cupcake treat on offer to students and families)

As part of the celebrations children will receive an iced cupcake. There will be an allergy friendly option available which is ( vegan gluten, egg, dairy and nut free). Please email your child’s teacher if this option is unsuitable for your child’s dietary requirements and send in an alternative treat. 

COLOURS FOR CARITAS

WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY - BRING YOUR COINS TO SUPPORT....

Year 6 students have been busy preparing for Colours for Caritas as a part of their Catholic mission focus on giving during Lent. In small groups, Year 6 students  are working to create a variety of fun stalls for students to participate in including - Zooper Doopers, biscuit decorating, basketball shootouts, hairspray, face painting, and much much more. Students from Kinder to Year 5 are invited to bring in money on the day in a named zip lock bag. They will enjoy the activities organised by Year 6, all monies raised will go towards the Catholic mission Caritas charity. 

PARENT CUPPA & CHAT

THURSDAYS FORTNIGHTLY.....

The 2 Frogs coffee van will be onsite for coffee purchases Thursday from 8.00am-9.00am. Parents are welcome to enjoy a coffee and a chat.

INCITARE

Incitāre means to stir up, incite, urge, spur - when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, we are invited to spread the good news to all we encounter!

Next Friday, 12th April, all of Year 6 will participate in the Incitare retreat experience, led by the students who attended the Incitare Hastings Day earlier in the term under the guidance of Mrs Packer and Mrs Baird. The retreat will utilise various group processes and student discussions, and the participants will experience faith-nurturing activities, peer-to-peer ministry, and opportunities for connection outside of their class and friendship groups. The retreat will be held during school hours in the Don Farrell Hall, concluding with a Liturgy in the shared MacKillop/St Peter’s Chapel.

LEARNING 

ATTENDANCE

If your child is avoiding school, contact your child’s teacher so together you can explore what is happening for your child. 

 

If your child is avoiding school, it's crucial to proactively address the issue by contacting your child's teacher. Teachers play a key role in observing and understanding students' behaviours and can collaborate with you to identify and address any challenges your child may be facing.

Share your observations about your child's behaviour and express any concerns you may have. Be open and honest about the challenges your child is facing in attending school regularly.

Collaboratively work with the school and your child to explore possible causes for your child's avoidance of school. This could include academic challenges or social issues. Work together to develop and monitor strategies to address the identified issues.

You can seek advice free from NSW ParentLine 1300 1300 52.

 

HELP MY KID DOESN'T WANT TO GOT TO SCHOOL

WITH MAGGIE DENT

YEAR 1 - HANDWRITING

Teaching handwriting to Year 1 students is a foundational step in their academic journey, fostering fine motor skills and cognitive development. It's a blend of patience, creativity, and structured guidance.

Tess Koning Principal

Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning

Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission

Consent for the Digital Technology Agreement Jotform is due via Compass, by Wednesday 10 April.

IMPORTANT - If you have 'consented' without completing the Agreement Form please go back to the event  - the link to the form is available in the Event description and Event Resources. 

TIP - open in browser for easier access!
Please contact the school office if you need assistance.

This agreement is designed to ensure that parents and students understand the conditions that apply to using Digital Technology at St Peter’s Primary, Port Macquarie, which is part of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL).  We aim to develop responsible, safe and ethical digital citizens who are proficient in their use of Digital Technologies. 

This agreement encompasses student use of Digital Technologies, covering devices, services (Internet included), and tools like computers, iPads, school networks, online learning platforms, Google Workspace for Education, and controlled technology (e.g., robotics, drones)

Forms must be completed by the due date to ensure your child is able to use Digital Technologies, in the classroom/school as from Term 2 2024.

Reminder : Term 1 Tuition Fees and School Account are due by 12 April. 

Payments may be made via BPAY, EFTPOS, Direct debit or Compass.

For families making payments via direct debit or BPAY scheduled payment - please continue to do so.

Term 2 Tuition fees will be billed to families next week.

For families who may require Fee Assistance please contact our Hastings Regional Office on 6583 6038 or email cso-feeshastingsro@lism.catholic.edu.au

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - YEARS 3 - 6

The Pastoral Care team is excited to offer an Equine Assisted Learning program to a limited number of students.  

The Equine Assisted Learning program, “Horse Wisdom” has been developed by the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Institute and will be facilitated by Katie Files, school counsellor. Katie has been formally trained and accredited through the institute to deliver equine assisted learning and therapeutic activities.

The “Horse Wisdom” program is a 6 session program that provides participants with an opportunity to experience a new way of being and behaving through experiments with horses. All experiences with the horses are ‘ground-based’ and there is no need for prior horse or riding experience. Safety guidelines are provided at the beginning of each session and supervision is provided at all times.

Horse Wisdom Program Focus

Week 1-Awareness

Awareness gives us the choice to respond.  Horses are prey animals and live in a state of awareness to keep themselves and their herd safe.  Here we learn to notice what is happening outside of our bodies in our environment, inside our bodies in our sensations and feelings and in our thoughts.

Week 2-Boundaries

Boundaries are our 'Yes' and our 'No', what feels okay or not okay, what we like or don't like. Horses model healthy boundaries and they communicate clearly using their body language.

Setting boundaries in yourself and with others are explored.  Our boundaries are voice boundaries, touch boundaries and personal space boundaries.

Week 3-Feelings

Feelings are important. Horses have feelings just like us, they feel it, express it and let it go. All feelings (Zones) are welcome!  

This session focuses on understanding feelings and emotions.

Week 4-Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships need to feel safe.

Horses reflect healthy relationships.

Building and maintaining healthy relationships requires trust, respect, communication, support, common interests and healthy boundaries.

Week 5-Thinking

How you think affects your feelings and behaviours.

Horses can sense your intentions; they notice your energy, body language and your feelings.   Becoming aware of your thoughts and words is important.  In this session we will focus on offering kind and helpful thoughts and self-talk.

Week 6-Facing Challenges

Reflecting on the program and remembering a time where you have been able to: use your awareness, express your yes and no, notice and manage your feelings, offer yourself kind thoughts and create a safe relationship.

Using these techniques can help us face the challenges we experience. 

**Unfortunately there are only a limited number of spots available and enrolment will be prioritised according to need and in coordination with children of the same or similar age groups.**

Please fill out the expression of interest form by clicking on the link below.

Equine Assisted Learning Program Expression of Interest

Please also note that if your child has been chosen to participate, you will receive a notification through Compass in the coming weeks with the associated consent requirements.

EISTEDDFOD DANCE

Compass Consent and Payment due 10th April - NEXT WEEK

To commence dancing in Eisteddfod dance Compass permission and payment must be completed by Wednesday 10th April (week 11, Term 1). There will be NO extension of this time.

All students who completed an Expression of Interest for Eisteddford dance have received a Compass Event for consent and payment. Eisteddfod dance begins Monday, Week 1, Term 2.

Natalie Jennings - Coordinator

JUNIOR CHOIR

Rehearsal Day Change for Years 1, 2 and 3.

Starting next week, the Junior Choir rehearsals will be moving to lunchtime on Tuesdays. This will remain the same for the remainder of the year. 

Rehearsals will continue in the music shed from 11:00am to 11:30 am with Mrs Lawrence.

STUDENT ART ON DISPLAY

Twice per year, student artwork is selected from across the diocese to be framed and displayed at the Catholic School’s Office, Lismore.

Here is a link to the St Peter’s art on display from Semester 2, 2023, featuring Tasman Robinson, Lorelai Pursell, Finn Kennedy, Ava Lorenz, Emma Blackman, Harper Castles, Lexie Bayer and Joe Blundell.

YEAR 4 EXCURSION

"PADDOCK TO PLATE"

OXHILL ORGANICS @ REDBANK

In Science this term, Year 4 students have been exploring the concept of "Paddock to Plate".

To help support this unit of work, we had the pleasure of visiting Farmers Chris and Ann at their property, Oxhill Organics at Redbank.

Students have been learning about advancing technologies used in food and fibre production in Australian agriculture with a focus on locally sourced products. While Farmer Chris gave us an in-depth tour of his beautiful working farm, the students were able to view cows, poddy calves, chickens, pigs, working dogs and the very exciting process of producing milk in the dairy.

CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE ROYAL EASTER SHOW !

Athena

Madeline

We are thrilled to share the outstanding accomplishments of two of our talented students, Madeline and Athena Goldie, who recently participated in three sections at the Royal Easter Show. The sisters showcased their creativity and skills in Art, Photography, and a special "150 Year Celebration of Honey" section, and we are proud to announce that both of their works were selected for display in all three categories!

Madeline clinched the top spot in the Under 14 Photography section and Athena's was recognised with a Highly Commended award in the same section.

Congratulations to Madeline and Athena on their remarkable achievements.

Click on the school below for more information regarding enrolment and Information Evenings.

Enrol for Kinder 2025 HERE

• Kinder Information Session - Saturday 18 May 2024 @ 9.30 am
• Kinder Tour Date - Saturday 1 June 2024 @ 2 pm 

Register HERE